Sampling device



Oct. 23, 1945. T'. o. STAPLETON SAMPLING DEVIQE Filed March 15, 1943 INVENTOR,

illuminating and examining same.

Patented Oct. 23, 1945 UNITED. STATES PATENT, OFFlCE 2,387,306

SAMPLING DEVICE Theon 0. Stapletcn, Hibbing, Minn.

Application March 15, 1943, Serial No. 479,285

1 Claim.

This invention relates to a sampling device, or which may be called a combination scoo and flash-light, it being further novel in having associated therewith an adjustable magnifying lens for viewing seeds, insects, plant material or the like when placed within the scoop portion of the device.

The principal object is to provide such a device or instrumentality affording maximum efficiency and convenience in its use.

Another object is to so shape the instrument that the modification of light therein may be utilized to best advantage while being used.

Another object is the security of the sample being examined at the time when shaking the instrument about during such operation.

Still another object is to provide simple and convenient means for examining specimens held in small slides readily adjustable both longitudinally and laterally within the scoop of the instrument.

Other objects and advantages will appear in the further description of the invention.

In the accompanyin drawing, forming part of the application and in which, like reference characters indicate like parts:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of one of the improved units embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the scoop portion only, and

Fig. 3 is a front end elevation of the scoop portion.

It is well known that various attachments have been applied to the light projecting terminus of a hand manipulated flash-light as indicated at l in the drawing,

However, it is deemed novel and requiring theexercise of inventive genius to have provided a scoop-like viewing receptacle to such a light producing device wherein the latter forms the double purpose of light source as Well as handle for the scoop, thus providin a most convenient instrument for taking and holding samples as well as Obviously, the end of the box-like scoop which forms the attachment to the flash-light I may be provided with any suitable form of connection to the light projecting end thereof as by the integrally formed interiorly threaded flange 2 formed on the scoop portion, and thus removably attached to the flash-light which is common in the art.

The scoop portion is preferably rectangular in cross section and comprises the bottom wall 3, top wall 4 and sides 5--5, the bottom being at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the flashlight I substantially as shown to provide the most convenient shape for acting as a handle to the scoop as well as ideal positioning of the objects to be viewed in the most direct range of light, it being essential also, that the depth of the scoop be that required for the accommodation of the adjustable viewing lens 8 installed within the top wall 4 of the scoop portion. The preferred lens for this purpose is of 7 /2 power, and requiring a depth of receptacle therefor not to exceed one inch or substantially as shown.

It is to be noted that the front end of the bottom 3 is somewhat rounded for convenience of operation and support of the flanged, inturned and also arcuate ends 6 of the side walls 55. This peculiar construction is not only to somewhat restrict the volume of seeds or the like engaged thereby, as the object usually is to get only a relatively small sample within the scoop, but to prevent spilling out of same when jigglin the sampler about for more thorough inspection of the specimen being viewed.

A further object of the restricted side walls and front end of the scoop is that of convenient accommodation of specimen slides such as are commonly used in connection with magnifying glasses and as suggested at 9.

Such. slides in this instance, carry the speci- -men adjacent one end thereof and the slide is sufficiently long to extend well beyond the front end of the enclosed scoop, when therein for viewing, and moving same so that ones fingers may retain a firm hold upon that portion protrudin from the end of the scoop.

It will also be noted that the front end of the top wall 4 is bent downwardly and forwardly as at I forming a further restriction of the frontend of the scoop and also augmenting concentration of luminosity within the scoop, the entire interior of the latter being preferably white in color.

Another advantageous feature of this combination when thus formed in connection with a focusing flash-light, is that when viewing a group of seeds, for example, and some are found requiring more careful scrutiny, not only may the lens be adjusted up or down for such, but the flash-light may be rotated for concentration of the light upon the object in the center of the viewing field on the bottom of the scoop.

From the foregoin it is apparent that I have devised an exceedingly simple and convenient instrument for many uses where careful scrutiny and inspection of small objects, like seeds, insects, plant life and the like is desired.

And for inspection of seed samples as taken from quantities in bulk, the instrument is especially convenient, as frequently such seeds are housed in dark places and in large assortment of bins or drawers and wherein the source of light, alone, in getting the sample, is very inconvenient.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

An inspection device of the type described comprising a rectangularly shaped elongated chamber open at opposite ends, one of said ends being equipped for convenient attachment to the light projection end of a hand flashlight and the other end restricted for spreading action of the material received therethrough by the front ends of the side walls and top wall being slightly bent inwardly, and said top wall having a magnifying glass installed therein for viewing objects upon the bottom of said chamber.

THEON O. STAPLETON. 

